technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈka-lə-tē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail meaningful only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical

Examples of technicality in a Sentence

These cases were dropped because of legal technicalities.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the optics weren’t good, the actual implementation of the rule was delayed because of a technicality – less than 75% of the cabinet members voted in favor of the change, triggering an automatic rescission period. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

However, Middleton has remained behind bars due to a technicality in Missouri state law that gave jurisdiction in the case to the Missouri Court of Appeals, and not with the Jackson County circuit court, where his case was tried. —Mark Guarino, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2025

So, Riddle’s old arrangements qualify – on a technicality. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2025

Their argument hinges on this technicality, and the ambiguity has allowed these shops to operate in the open. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for technicality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids Definition

technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈkal-ət-ē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail that means something only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical